stebpins



Julyil 7, 1923.-

F. E. STEBBINS KINETIC EKERGY TRANSFORMING MEANS FOR CARS Filed March 16 1920 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 17, 1923'; 1,461,781 F. E. STEBBINS KINETIC ENERGY TRANSFORMING MEANS FOR CARS 5 Sheets-Shoot 5 Filed March 16 1920 Patented July 17, 1923.

UNITED STATES FRANK E. STEBBINS, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

KINE'IIG-ENERGY-TRANSFORMING MEANS FOR CARS.

Application filed March 16, 1920. Serial No. 366,880.

To (ZZZ 10 7mm may can c-era Be it known that I, FRANK E. STEBBINS, a citizen of the United States, residing at lVashington, District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Kinetic -Energy Transforming Means for Cars; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The object of the invention broadly is the provision of efficient means for transforming the energy of motion or kinetic energy of a moving body into work, that is, inducing changes in other bodies which correspond to and equal as far as possible the kinetic energy of the moving body.

Specifically the object is the provision of means for transforming the kinetic energy of a car or cars into the work of moving a plurality of friction elements or bodies, preferably substantially non-friable in use when subjected to the pressure intended, assembled to form a mobile mass, relative to one another and a casing or housing Within which said mobile mass is confined and thus producing frictional resistances, percussions, vibrations, and pressures; also into the work of expanding an elastic casing or housing containing the mobile mass of bodies. when the casing is cxpansible; and, further, when desired, compressing a spring or springs; that is, providing kinetic energy transforming means for cars or bumpers.

A further object is the constructionand arrangement of said means so that initially the main resisting elements or bodies shall yield quickly to impacts either light or heavy; so the recoil shall be small, but sufficient to return the mass when moved to its normal position: so the areas of the bearing surfaces of the elements will he as large as possible to distribute the wear of the parts;

and so that but little machining of the elements or bodies or parts constituting the means shall be necessary.

Generally stated, the invention consists in confining within a metallic casing or housing, preferably of elastic steel or other suit able material, preferably of varying capac ity, plurality of friction elements or bodies forming a mobile mass, said elements or bodies preferably consisting of metallic balls or cylindrically shaped bodies of different diameters or dimensions, or other substantially non-friable elements as specified, a plurality of said elements or bodies being in contact with and capable of moving relative to others and the casing; providing a slidable follower or plunger movable in the casing to compress the mass of friction elements or bodies; providing, when desired, a spring yieldablypressing against the mass of balls, cylindrical bodies, or other friction elements or bodies; and combining said casing with a car under frame and movable drawbar. However, when the casing or housing is itself expansible, the separate spring may be omitted.

It further consists in a take-up or means for forcing the frictional elements or bodies into a substantially compact, mobile mass Within the casing or housing, the de gree of compactness of the mass to be determined by the character of the friction elements, the force applied, and the construction or character of the casing or housing.

It further consists in certain novelties of construction and the combination of parts as herein set forth.

The accompanying drawings illustrate several examples of the physical embodiment of the invention constructed, combined and arranged according to the best modes of procedure I have so far devised for the purpose. The solid, rigid or substantially non-friable elements or bodies illustrated consist of a plurality or mass of metallic balls of different diametersyand metallic cylinders or rollers of different dimensions in parallel positions, inasmuch as experiments prove that a plurality or mass of balls or parallel cylinders of different diameters when combined and subjected to impact or pressurewill move like a fluid, the balls pressing equally in all directions, and the cylinders or rollers pressing equally in all directions in a plane at right angles to the lengths of the cylinders. Of course, other substantially non-friable or substantially rigid elements may be employed and in some instances balls and cylinders of the same diameter, especially when of relatively small. diameters, but as balls and cylinders of different diameters in a mass possess a greater degree of fluidity and are not liable to interlock or wedge one with another as are those of the same diameter, T have illustrated thefo rmer as embodying the inven tion in the best modes.

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of one embodiment of the invention, the elastic steel casing or housing, keys and springs being in section and the balls, drawbar butt and slidable follower or plunger in elevation.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the draft sills,,coupler butt, keys and slidable plunger, and the casing and draft arms in horizontal section.

Figure 3 is a view of a modification, similar to Figure 1, showing corrugated plate Springsand a take-up or arrangement for compressing the balls into a compact mass within the inolosed chamber or space of the casing and pressing against the inner surface of the casing, the follower and the P Pa Figure ,4 is a second modification, similar to F1 ure 3, showing another form of takeup or compressing the balls into a substantially compact mass, also in elevation a helical spring.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the rod and plunger forming part of the take-up. Figure 6 is a 'cross section of an elastic steel shell or housing for inclosing the balls or other frictional elements in a mass, the wall being of relatively great thickness and slotted longitudinally between the ends for a oertain distance to permit more facile er:- pansion of the same under pressure.

Figure 7 is a View similar to Figure 1 which the mobile mass of elements consists of metallic cylindrical bodies preferably of different diameters in cross section.

Figure 8 is a horizontal section of the projecting part of the casing on line ii-m, Fig ure 7, showing the spring follower plate partly broken away and one of the cylinrical bodies orrollers in full lines, the spring being omitted. I

Figure 9 illustrates a flexible spring roller or cylindrical body which may be used. in place of one more rigid.

The shell, casing or housing in each e;\'- ample preferably is of elastic steel so it can expand under pressure within the elastic limit of the material, and also contract, and with the plunger and take-up device and movable spring follower forms a substantially closed chamber or inclosed space of variable ca acity within which are located the substan ially rigid balls, cylindrical bodies or other like elements in a mobile mass.

Referring to the four examples the parts common to all are designated as follows:

A are the steel. channel draft sills or beams; B, the cheek castings (Figure 2) C, the front slots in the channel beams and castings; D, the rear slots in the same; E, the elastic steel casing or housing; F, the draft arms; G,the front elongated slots in the arms; H, the rear longitudinal slots in the casing; I, the drawbar butt; J, the slot therethrough; K, the slidable follower or plunger; L, the slot therethrough; M, the front keys, each fixed ,within the slot in the drawbar and movable within the slots of the channel beams and cheek castings and slots in the draft arms; N, the rear keys, each within a slot in the slidable follower or plunger and rearwardly movable within the slots in .the channel beams and cheek castings and slots in the casing; O the rear wall of each casing or housing; and P designates the open end of each casing within which is located the slidable follower or plunger adapted to be engaged by the coupler butt in buffing.

In Figures 3 and 4, it will be noted, the slots in the plungers are slightly elongated at Q, so they can move rearwardly about an inch before contacting with the keys. The followers in the first three examples have extended edges R which cover the otherwise open spaces or parts of the slots H in the easing-through which some of the balls or friction elements otherwise might pass.

In the first three examples S in each designates the elastic or substantially rigid steel balls, preferably of different diameters, or other substantially nonfriahle elements mainly substantiall ri id and in a mobile mass within the inc ose chamber of variable capacity. In the fourth example, Figures 7 and S, T designates the metallic roller or cylindrical bodies, preferably of different diameters in cross section, in a mass movable or mobile at right angles to their lengths.

The constructions specific to each of the examples are as follows:

In Figures 1 and 2 an opening 1 in the side of the casing it provided and the ex tended wall 2 forms a pocket 3 for a helical spring 41- which rests against a perforated spring follower 5. To form a take-up the wall 2 has a flange 6 with holes 7, and the spring projects above the flange and engages a plate 8 having holes 9. Threaded bolts 10 and nuts 11 connect the flange (iand the plate 8. Obviously, by screwing down the top nuts the spring ,and follower will compress the balls intoa substantially compact mass, the follower or plunger being held against forward movement relative to the casing by the key engaging the solid walls 12, 12 of. the casing. A threaded bolt 13 having a head 14 and nut 15 is passed through the casing, mass of balls, loosely through the spring follower plate, spring and top plate, the bolt serving to deflect the balls sideways and create additional friction. Screwing down the nut compresses the spring and iv in) ill) mass of balls. The bolt with the top plate constitutes another or additional take-up and either or both talzeup means may be used. In Figure 3 a pocket 16 is tonne by the movable follower l7 and in the pocket are located corrugated plates 18, the corru gations of alternate plates being at right angles to the adjacent plates, thus forming a spring in a well'known way. The takeup means consists of a pocket 19 at the lower edge of the casing having an opening in communication with the main chamber, as shown. A headed and threaded bolt 20 is inserted loosely in the open end of the pocket, the shank passed through a hole 21 in the vertical wall, a helical spring 22 placed on the shank of the bolt, and a plate 23 and nut 2% on the bolt end. The mass of balls in this pocket can pass through the opening to the main chamber. Turning the nut advances the head of the bolt against the balls in the pocket and forces some of them through the opening and compresses the mass of balls in the main chamber. The spring may or may not be present. lVhen used, it is compressed under impact strains imparted to the mobile mass of balls.

In Figures 4 and 5 the take-up com prises a pocket 25 in open communication with the main chamber, as shown. a follower 26 with perforated flanges 27, 27, a U-shaped rod 28 with threaded ends, and nuts 29, 29. At the back of the pocket wall is a seat 30 for the U-shaped rod. Screwing down the nuts advances the follower into the open end of the pocket and forces some of the balls into the main chamber, compressing the mass of balls, as is obvious.

A pocket 16 is formed by the spring follower 17 within which is a helical spring l Figure 6 shows in cross section a tensile or elastic metallic casing or housing for the balls with slots 31 to facilitate the expansion of the same under pressure. The slots are similar to those designated by 32 in Figure 4, and they may be present when the wall of the casing is relatively of great thickness. However, when the casing is of steel possessing relatively great elasticity and tensile strength the expansion of the casing wall will be suflicient to allow the mobile mass of substantially rigid elements or balls under impact to move relative to each other and the casing a sufficient distance for the purpose designed.

In Figures 7 and 8 the casing and the wall 33 defining the pocket 8% are rectangular in cross section, as shown by Figure 8. The slidable follower or plunger also rcctangu lar, loosely fits the inner surface of the easing. The metallic cylindrical bodies T, preferably of varying diameters in cross section within the inclosed chamber of -variable capacity, are arranged parallel to each other crosswise of the casing and bear against the spring follower plate 35 which may have a guide pin 36 located within the helical spring it. The take-up device is similar to that first described in the description of Figure l and need not be repeated. Obviously, by turning the nuts downwardly the plurality of rollers or cylindrical bodies will be forced into a. substantially compact mass mobile under impact at right angles to the lengths of the said elements or rollers. The roller or cylindrical bodies when relatively small may be of approximately the same diameter. Then of larger diameter some may be hollow, as shown. The essential requisite is that they shall not lock together or wedge under impact. Figure 9 shows a flexible steel spring roller or cylinder which may be used in place of the type illustrated.

The examples of the gear shown by Fig ures l and 7 are adapted foruse with hopper bottom or other cars where there is an open space above the draft beams or sills. They may be applied with the spring extended below the draft sills and located so as not to engage an axle of a truck or the brake rigging I The general mode of operation or action of the mobile mass of friction elements or bodies under pressure and independent of the change of shape of the chamber under pressure in all the species shown is alike and substantially as follows: It has been found in actual trial that the friction bodies when assembled in a mobile mass in a casing or shell have interstices between the bodies and, therefore, the mass is capable of greater compactness. Vhcn sufficient pressure upon the mass is applied the friction elements comprising the mass move relatively one upon another, filling the interstices and thus the mass occupies a less space than pre viously. In fact the degree of compactness of the mass varies with the'pressure. The movement of the bodies one upon the other in forming a more compact mass and occupying less space performs a large amount of work or transformation of energy, the follower at the same time moving some distance 7 into the casing or shell. When the mobile mass of friction bodies is large enough no additional yielding meanssupplemental to the expansion of the elastic steel casing is necessary. As the pressure upon the mobile mass increases and becomes great enough the yielding partsof the apparatus act and the shape of the inclosing chamber is changed, occasioning further shifting of the friction bodies relative to one another.

The modes of operation of the examples of the gears shown by Figures 1 to 6 are.

Substantially identical. When in buffing or drawing the follower or plunger moves into the casing the balls are forced against one another and against the casing and spring of the inclosed chamber.

follower, the mobile mass acting like a fluid in accordance with Pascals law pressinii equally in all directions UPON. one another and against the inner surtiace of the and the spring follower. The halls being relatively small or of unequal diameters the lines oi force radiate from the center of each ball so they are inv equilibrium. when onfincd by the'ca-sing. the y we increases the spring follower moves outwardly into the pocket and comp esses the spring; This movement of? the spring fo lower occasions a. change in the lines (it force and. causes an unstable cquililiriiun of the mile in mass and they move one upon another in the directions of the least resistance along the inner surface of the casing; sliding and turning one upon anotl'ier a upon the casing; until the spring; follower stops when the mass of balls is momciiitarily in equilibrium .until the recoil of the s iring; forces the metallic spring follower and ma balls to their normal positions. the plunger moving outwardly. The kinetic energy of the car transmitted through the drawbar and the follower or plunger in the form of impact is transformed o the pressure and percussion. of the balls against the the motion of the balls relative to one another and along the casing 111 ctional contact with one another and the casing, and into deforming the spring. The percussions, pressures, and sliding and rolling friction induce throughout the mobile mass of balls and the parts in contact with them, vibrations or a mode of motion appearing to the senses as heat. The excess of kinetic energy of the car not thus transformed is transmitted to the frame of the car supporting the gear The mode of operation of the example of the gear shown by Figures 7 and 8 is substantially the same as those described. How-- ever, the cylinders or rollers of unequal diameters move like a fluid only in plane at right angles to the lengths of the cylinders, and therein the action diilers from the halls which press equally in all directions under impact.

The mode of operation of the when the casing or shell is of elastic steel as in the examples described, or with the wall slotted, as in Figure 6, is substantially the same/'21s in the other examples in allowing the change in, shape of the mass oi: friction bodies to correspond to the change in shape Pressure upon the confined mass of friction bodies is transmitted to the elastic wall or walls of the casing or shell inclosin r the chamber and. the elastic wall of the chamber expands changing the shape of the inclosed chamber,

the mobile mass of friction bodies also changing its shape n'actically sitnultw neously and correspondingly.

Obviously substantially non-friable or rigid metallic elements or bodies of different shapes may be sultistitiiited for balls or cylinders or rollers, and in a relatively large casing balls or cylinders of equal diameters may be used which will perform the requisite functions without wedging or interlocking,

Preferably the balls and cylinders are unground and the balls need not be perfect spheres or the cylinders of equal diameters throughol'it their lengths to preserve the mobility oi? the mass. The object is to increase friction within limits and such irregulrmties and shapes will increase the friction.

From the foregoing description taken with the illustrations it will. be seen; that means have been provided for transforming); the energy of motion of a car or cars into physical changes in other bodies located between the drawbar and a car frame. That the means comprises a mobile mass of halls or cylinders or the like which initially will. yield quickly and to the requisite degree when subjected to sudden light or heavy blows or mpacts, a desirable potentiality of action. inasmuch as friction between elements is greater at the start than after Inoticn. has commenced. That the recoil after the compression of the mass of elements is small, but sufficient to restore the mass substantially to its normal shape. That the sum oi? the areas of the bearing surfaces of the elements is as large as possible, thus effect vely distributing the transmitted energy and the abrasions and wear of the parts. That the means consist of parts and elements which do not require machining to it them for performin {1' their functions.

The extent of the dispersion of the transmitted kinetic energy under impact of the drawbar will be understood by comparing the area of the end oi. the plunger with the inn area of the surface of the casing or housing in contact with the balls or cylindrical bodies.

The elements or bodies comprising the mass obviously need not be solid or entirely rigid units without elasticity, but each unit or body may in itself be yielding and capable of deformation without destroying the characteristic action of the mass; however, solid or rigid elements are sometimes preferable. Extended experiments have proved that substantially non-friable rigid metallic balls and cylindrically shaped bodies of different diameters are satisfactory elements for forming the mobile mass.

\Vhen a metallic or elastic steel shell or cas ng is used the wall or walls should be of Flllil'lClGTll thickness to prevent the expansion oi: the shell beyond the elastic limit of the metal.

The use of these massed friction units or possible to pack the mass so compactly that impacts will not move the units or bodies of the mass relative to one another.

What I claim is:

.1. A friction draft or buffing apparatus comprising a hollow metallic casing or housing and a follower or plunger forming an inclosed space or chamber, one of said parts being slidable relative to the other under impact, and a mobile mass of bodies having frictional contact with one another within the chamber, said mass being adapted to transmit part of the kinetic energy of the impact to the inner area of the casing defining the chamber; said apparatus being so constructed and the parts combined that the inclosed space or chamber is variable in shape under variations of pressure to permit corresponding change of shape of the mobile mass under such variations of pressure.

2. The subject-matter of claim 1 when the casing is provided with pocketing means for receiving part of the mass of friction bodies under impact.

3. The subject-matter of claim 1 when the casing is provided with a pocket the capacity of which is controlled by spring means and which allows a change in shape of the mobile mass of friction bodies under imact.

p 4. The subject-matter of claim 1 when the casing is provided with a pocket with spring means in the pocket which can yield under impact to allow a change in the shape of the chamber and a corresponding change in the shape of the mass of friction bodies.

5. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of a pocket structure in the casing, and a follower and spring means limiting the movement of the follower.

6. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of a pocket in connection with the casing, spring means within the pocket, and a spring follower.

7. The subject-matter of claim 1 with additional means for normally limiting the outward movement of the follower or plunger relative to the casing or housing.

8. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of a key passed through the casing and follower or plunger to limit the movements of the plunger.

9. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of means for deflecting a portion of the mass of the bodies in their movements within the casing under impact.

10. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of a rod passed through the mobile mass of bodies for deflecting a portion of the same in their movements.

11. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of take-up means to render more compact the mass of bodies between the casing and the slidable follower.

12. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of takeup means comprising a pocket, a follower, and bolt and nut mechanism for moving the follower to change the degree of compactness of thesaid massof bodies.

13. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of take-up means comprising a pocket, a follower, a spring, and bolt and nut mechanism. i

14:. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of take-up means comprising a pocket, a follower, a spring within the pocket, and means for forcing the spring against the follower and moving the latter.

15. The subject-matter of claim 1 with the addition of a pocket structure at the side of the casing, a movable element as a follower or plunger, and means for moving said follower or plunger and compacting the mobile mass of bodies to different degrees.

16. A friction draft or buffing apparatus comprising a hollow elastic casing or housing and a plunger or follower forming a chamber of variable shape, one of said parts being slidable relative to the other under impact to change the shape of the chamber, and a mobile mass of separate manufactured friction bodies having friction contact with one another within the chamber, each body being subject to wear in its movements in contact with other bodies of the mass, said mass being adapted to change its shape or form under the impact and correspond to the changed shape of the chamber.

17. A friction draft gear or buffing apparatus com rising ahollow casing or housing and a p unger one of said parts being slidable relative to the other and forming an inclosed space or chamber, and a mobile mass of manufactured bodies within the easing and having frictional contact with each other and with the inner surface of the casing; said casing being designed to change its shape and capacity and allow a corre sponding change in the shape of the mobile mass of bodies under impact.

18. The combination in a draft and buffing gear, of draft beams, a coupler shank,a casing, a plunger, friction elements within the casing, and means for holding the casing relative to the draft beams and permitting motion of the same relative to said beams; said casing having an opening at the top surface thereof, spring means at said opening, and means for compressing the said spring means, and the friction elements beneath the same; the combination of parts being such that some of the frictional elements under impact are shifted and caused to travel at right angles to the length of the gear and compress the spring.

19. A friction draw gear or buffing apparatus comprising a plurality of substantially rigid friction bodies shaped and as sembled to form a mobile mass, a yieldable tion bodies shaped and assembled to form a mobile mass, and means capable of changing its form under load for housing said bodies to correspondingly change the assem-- bled form of said mobile mass.

21. A friction draw gear or buffing apparatus comprising a plurality of solid friction bodies shaped and assembled to forma mobile mass, resilient means for resisting change of assembled form of said bodies, and means for holding said resilient means and friction bodies in their assembled relation.

A friction draw gear or buffing apparatus comprising a housing structure, a lurality of solid friction bodies shaped and assembledto form a mobile mass located within said structure, and means whereby said friction bodies are given a relative movement under load.

23. The subject-matter of claim 22 when said friction bodies consist of metallic balls.

24; The subjectnnatte'r of claim 22 when said friction bodies consist of metallic balls of different sizes or diameters.

25. The subject-matter of claim 22 when said friction bodies consist of metallic elements substantially circular in cross section.

26. A friction draft or bufling apparatus comprising two members one of them being llOllOW and one having a sliding movement relative to the other, a mobile mass of friction bodies disposed between said members, and means pennitting displacement of a said mass of units within one of said members when impact pressure is applied to one of said members.

27. A friction draft or bu'fling device comprising two members one of them having a chamber, and one having a sliding said mas when impact pressure is applied to one of said members.

28. A friction draft or buffing device comprising a hollow casing member, a plunger member slidable in said casing member, a mobile mass of friction bodies closely confined within the casing member, and means permitting relative movements of said friction units and a change in shape of the said mass when impact pressure is applied to the plunger or casing member.

29. A friction draft gear or buffing ap paratus comprising a housing structure, a plurality of solid friction bodies in a mobile mass confined within said structure, and a supplemental pocketing structure into which portions of said bodies are forced under load.

30. A friction draft or bufling gear apparatus comprising a housing, a plunger slidable within said housing, and a plurality of relatively small friction bodies operatively confined in a mobile mass between the plunger and said casing, said casing and said plunger being constructed relatively to prevent the escape of any of said bodies.

31. A friction draft gear or bufling apparatus "comprising a housing structure, a plurality of solid friction units in a mobile mass confined within said structure, a supplemental. pocketing structure into which a portion of said units are forced under load, and means for clearing said pocket structure of said units when the gear is unloaded.

32. Means for transforming the energy of motion into work comprising in combination a metallic casing having a variable interior capacity and a follower one slidable relative to the other, and friction elements or bodies confined in a compact mobile mass within the casing, the said elements being movable one relative to others within the mass under variations of pressure.

33. The subject-matter of claim 32 when the metal of the casing is elastic to allow the casing to expand and vary its capacity.

3i. The subject-matter of claim 32 when the friction elements or bodies are of different sizes.

The subject-matter of claim 32 when some of the friction elements or bodies are substantially circular in cross section.

36. The subject-matter of claim 32 when some of the friction elements consists of metallic balls.

37. The subject-matter of claim 32 when said casing is provided with a poclrct with yielding means in connection therewith.

38. The combination in a draft and buffing gear, of a casing having relatively movable ends and an outwardly extensible side portion, and said casing filled with a mass of balls of unequal diameters.

39. The combination of a hollow casing, a follower slidable relative to the casing, means for limiting the movement of the follower outwardly relative to the casing but allowing it to move inwardly, a mass of friction elements within the casing between the casing and follower, and means for forcing the said friction elements into close contact within the casing when the follower occupies its extreme outward position relative to the casing.

40. Means for transforming kinetic en ergy into Work comprising in combination a metallic casing and a follow r one slidable relative to the other, a spring. and friction elements held in a compact mobile mass within the casing by the easing, follower and spring; said elements being movable each relative to others under variations of pressure within the mass.

-11. Means for transforming kinetic energy into work comprising in combination a casing and a follower one movable relative to the other, a spring, and substantially non-friable elements of different sizes held in a compact mass within the casing by the casing, follower and spring; said elements being movable each relative to others under variations of pressures within the mass.

42. Means for transforming kinetic energy into work comprising in combination a casing and a follower one movable relative to the other, a spring, and substantia ly iion friable elements substantially circular in cross section held in contact within the easing by the casing, follower and spring; said elements being movable each relative to others under variations of pressure.

e3. Means for transforming kinetic energy into work comprising in combination a yieldable casing and a follower one movable relative to the other, a spring. and metallic bal ls held in a compact mass within the casing by the casing, follower and spring; said balls being movable each relative to others under variations of pressure.

44. Means for transforming kinetic energy into work comprising in combination a cas ing and a follower one slidable relative to' the other, a spring, and balls of diflterent sizes held in a compact mass within the cas-' ing by the casing. follower and spring; said balls being movable each relative to others under variations of pressure.

45. In a draft and buffing gear. the combination of a casing and a follower, substantially non-friable metallic elements promiscuously assembled in a mobile mass both in butling and drawing within the casing. said elements being movable each ieiative to others under variations of pro sure within the mass, a spring pressed against by said mass of elements, and a reciprocating drawbar connected with the casing and follower, which drawbar when moved in either dircction compresses the mass of elements and the spring.

46. In a draft and bufling gear, the C0111- bination of a casino and a follower, substanti ally non-friable IllClllOH elements of differout sizes pron'iiscuously assembled in a mobile inass within the casing, said elements being movable each relative to others under variations of pressure within the mass, a spring prcssal against by said mass of elements and a reciprocating drawbar connected with the casing and the follower, which drawbar when moved in either direction compresses the mass of elements and the spring.

l7. ln a draft and balling gear, the combination of a casing and a follower one movable relative to the other, metallic elements substantially circular in cross section in frictional contact within the casing, a spring pressed against by said metallic elements, and a reciprocating drawbar connected with the casing and follower.

48. -In a draft and balling gear, the com-- bination of a casing and follower one movable relative to the other, balls of different sizes within the casing, a spring pressed against by said balls, and a reciprocatin drawbar connected with the casing and fol lower.

4-9. Means for transforming kinetic energy into work comprising in combination a movable casing, a plurality of substantially non friable elements some of which consist of balls, a follower movable relative to the casing, a spring adapted to be compressed by the pressure of the balls, and a reciprocating drawbar connected to the casing to move it relative to the follower in one direction.

50. Means for transforming kinetic energv into work comprising in combination a casing, a plurality of balls of different diameters within the casing, a follower slidable relative to the casing to vary the space inclosed between the same and the casing, a

spring adapted to be compressed by the pressure of the balls, and a key passed through the follower and casing.

51. The combination in a draft and balling gear, of a reciprocating drawbai'. a met; llic easing, substantially non-friable friction ele ments within the casing freely movable one upon another. a spring, a movable wall between the said elements and the spring, and a follower having a reciprocating motion relative to the casing; said spring being disposed wi h its axis at an angle to the axis of the drawbar whereby the said elements move sidewise in compressing the spring.

52. The combination in a draft and balling rear, of a reciprocating drawbai', a metallic casing, balls of different diameters or sizes within the casing, a spring, a movable wall between the balls and the spring, and a follower; the spring being suitably supported with its axis at an angle to the axis of the d r awb ar.

53. Means for transforming kinetic energy into work comprising in combination a cas ing, disconnected elements substantially circular in cross section freely movah. e one upon another within the casing, a spring 1: cOIlIlQCtlOlI with the casing and adapted t and the spring.

54. Means for transforming lii' ergy into work comprising in conn' a casing, a reciprocatinq drmvbar, i nected substantially non-t l able tricti nients within. the casing ii'lifeely narrabie '1. contact one upon another, a helical s in connection with the saw. cl threaded rod or bolt with a nut through the spring and casing, and a lollower reciprocal:innrelative to the casino.

55. The combination in a draft and. balling gear, of a reci n'ocating drawbar, a casing open at an end, frictional eleji ants disconnected and movable within the easing, a movable wall for the casing, a spr "g in. connection with the movable wall, and a follower independent and separate from drawbar and movable at the open end. of the casing; said spring being located one side of the axial line of the casin 56. The combination in a ing gear, of a reciprocating drawlnir. a ing with an open end an opening in the wall a mobile mass of friction elements within the casing and movable relative thereto, a spring with its axis at an ang rle to the axis ol': the drawbar, a movable wall. within the opening in the casing and adjacent the spring, a follower independe t and separate from the drawbar, and cans in connection with the spring and cas j for holding the spring and movable wall so that; the movement of the said elements can compress the spring.

57. The combination in a drattt and bulling gear, of a reciprocating drawbar, a casing with an open end and an open' in the wall, friction bodies assembled in a mobile mass within the casing, a helical. spring, a movable wall within the opening: in the easing, a bolt or rod in connection with. the vasing and spring, and a follower iinlepcncent ot the reciprocating drawbar.

58. The combination in a draft and bntlE ing gear, of a reciprocating drawbar, a casing with an open end and an opeoinet in the wall, substantially non-"friable elements within the casing movable one upon another, a helical spring, a movable wall within the opening in the casing, a threaded bolt or rod passed ljlllTOllfIjll the casino; movable wall and spring. a threaded net on the bolt or rod, and a follower.

59. The combination in a draft and butting gear, of a reciprocalinp drawbar, a casing open at one end and having an opening in the wall, balls within the casing, a

spring, a movable wall, a bolt or red through the casing g, niin'able wall spvng", and a follower sepaate :trom

up lost mements in a draft and bullin elements sn.'o

tollrmcr, a spring, a reciprok whar, and means for taking up motion and holding the saidv metallic Gltlilfilifi in contact and pressing against U The combination of a :trame, a gear (P-fling having an opening or pocket in the wall. thereof between the ends, and slotted arms, means for supporting the casing on the frame so it can have a limited reciprocating movement relative thereto, metallic frictional elements in mass within. the casing, a spring in connection with the opening or pocket in the wall, a slotted drawbar, and a key uniting the slotted drawbar and the slotted arms.

64:. The combination with a casing hav- 1 an opening or pocket between the ends ot the casing, slotted arms and slots in the sides, of a follower and a key, frictional elements in mass in. the casing back of the follower, and a spring supported at the opening or pocket in the casing between the ends thereof and co-acting with the frictional elements.

(35. The combination with a casing having. two openings one of them between the ends,

attaching the arms to a slotted drawbar, of a follower, a mobile mass of friction elements in the casing, and yieldable means allowing the mass to change its shape within the casing.

67. The combination of a casing having a pocket at the side and elongated slots for a key adjacent the open end of the casing, resilient yielding means within the ocket, a slidable slotted follower, a key within the elongated slots in the casing and the slot in the follower, and frictional elements in mass within the casing, which elements under pressure move relative to the pocket and compress the resilientyieldable means.

68. A friction draft or buffing apparatus comprising in combination a hollow metallic casing with an open end and a plunger at the said open end, one slidable relative to the other and thus forming an inclosed chamber of variable capacity, means for limiting the outward movement of the plunger relative to the casing, a mobile mass of friction elements within the said chamber said mass being capable of change of shape under pressure, and means for compacting the mass of mobile friction elements between the casing and the plunger when the latter is in its extreme outward position relative to the casing, whereby the extreme operative length of the combined casing and plunger may be maintained.

69. A friction draft or buffing apparatus comprising a hollow elastic metallic shell, casing or housing and a follower plunger formlng an inclosed chamber, one of the said parts being slidable relative to the other under impact, and a mobile mass of friction elements having frictional contact with one another within the chamber with interstices between said elements, whereby under impact pressure the casing will expand, the elements of the mobile mass move one relative to another, and the mobile mass be made more compact and occupy less space than prior to said pressure of impact.

70. A friction draw gear or bufling apparatus comprising a casing, a plunger mov able in connection therewith, a plurality of metallic frictional bodies shaped and promiscuously assembled to form a mobile mass located between said casing and plunger, and a spring; both said mobile mass and spring being adapted to be actuated by the movement of the plunger in drawing or buffin 71. llfeans for transforming kinetic energy into work comprising in combination an elastic expansible metallic shell or casing, a plunger freely slidable relative to said shell or casing under impact, and a promiscuously assembled mobile mass of metallic friction bodies within said shell or casing; said mobile mass of bodies being adapted under impact to transmit energy to the inner surface of said shell or casing and ex pand the same.

72. A friction draft or bufiing apparatus comprising a housing, a follower freely slidable relative to the housing and formin with said housing a substantially inclosec space, and a plurality of separate metallic friction bodies fashioned and assembled to form a mobile mass within said inclosed space; said apparatus being soconstructed that it can change its shape with a corresponding change in shape of the inclosed space under pressure of the mobile mass of friction bodies when actuated by the follower under impact, the bodies of the mobile mass in frictional contact shifting their relative positions in the mass with the change in shape of the inclosed space.

73. A friction-draft or bufling apparatus comprising a housing, a follower freely slidable relative to the housing and forming with said housing a substantially inclosed space, and a mobile mass of friction bodies, some of them being separately fashioned metallic bodies, within said housing; said housing apparatus being constructed so as to permit change in shape of said inclosed space under impact pressure of the mobile mass, whereby the mobile mass of friction bodies correspondingly changes its shape and 0ccasions movements of the said bodies relative to one another in frictional contact.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

FRANK E. STEBBINS. 

